Clipper/VO mini-FAQ

Clipper/VO mini-FAQ

Author

Message

Wm. David Bel#1 / 1

Clipper/VO mini-FAQ

MINI FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS (FAQ) LIST FOR CA-CLIPPER

Release 2.01, 25 August 1997

NOTICE

This document's purpose is to direct posters to the Clipper news- groups comp.lang.clipper and comp.lang.clipper.visual-objects. Nothing in this document is in any way an expression of the opin- ions or policies of the poster's employers or their clients.

This document will be posted to the Usenet newsgroups: alt.comp.databases.xbase.clipper, comp.databases.xbase.misc, and comp.lang.clipper weekly or as needed. It will not be posted to the new comp.lang.clipper.visual-objects group.

================================================================= Q: What is Clipper?

A: In this newsgroup, "Clipper" refers to a database oriented programming language for PC platforms. The primary compiler is published by Computer Associates as CA-Clipper. The latest release is 5.3, which includes a Windows development environment. Although originally thought of as a dBASE III compiler, Clipper has developed into a language of its own. It now incorporates some of the basics of object oriented programming through built-in classes, replaceable database drivers, and code blocks. There is no Windows version, but there are third party products that let you port Clipper applications to Windows. There is also a Clipper compatible compiler for most flavors of UNIX, called FlagShip.

Note: There is an unrelated encryption chip also known as Clipper. Please direct messages pertaining to the Clipper chip elsewhere (try the Usenet newsgroups alt.privacy or alt.privacy.clipper). ----------------------------------------------------------------- Q: What is CA-Visual Objects (AKA: VO, CAVO)?

A: From Mark Schumann's CA-Clipper FAQ: "CA-Visual Objects is an object-oriented Windows-based applications development envi- ronment with repository-based source management and an incre- mental compiler. It includes interfaces to many major data- base engines via the ODBC ... standard." Note that VO is not a Windows version of Clipper. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Is there a Usenet newsgroup on CA-Clipper?

A: Yes, two of them: alt.comp.databases.xbase.clipper (a.c.d.x.c) and comp.lang.clipper (c.l.c.). The group comp.databases.xbase.misc is mostly dBASE, but there are occasional Clipper posts.

The c.l.c group was created early in 1995 and supersedes a.c.d.x.c. Please use comp.lang.clipper for Clipper related messages. If you are having trouble getting c.l.c, contact your news server administrator.

In the Spring of 1997, comp.lang.clipper.visual-objects was created. Please post VO related messages there to keep c.l.c on Clipper as much as possible.

It is possible that some people will never be able to get the c.l.c groups. Since alt groups never die, and Clipperheads are a sympathetic lot, you can rest assured that a.c.d.x.c will remain active for quite some time. You can also be assured that you will receive comments from well-intentioned souls urging you to switch to the c.l.c groups. Ignore them. If they persist, refer them to this mini-FAQ. With a smile, of course. :) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Is there a Usenet newsgroup on CA-Visual Objects?

A: Yes, comp.lang.clipper.visual-objects. Please direct VO- specific questions to that group. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Where can I get the real Clipper FAQ?